The recent tragic deaths of two young people and the serious illness of eleven others, predominantly aged between 18 and 21, due to a deadly meningitis outbreak have understandably sent waves of concern through Australian families. The grim news, which has seen a University of Kent student and a Year 13 student from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Faversham among those who succumbed, is being described by experts as the worst epidemic to strike the UK in at least a decade.
“We haven’t seen anything on this scale for many years,” stated Andrew Preston, a professor of microbial pathogenicity at the University of Bath. “In fact, I can’t remember the last time so many people have been struck down at the same time. In the past, we would see clusters of cases, and they tended to be sporadic, but this outbreak is very focused and affecting a lot of people.”
Several theories are being explored for this severe surge, including the emergence of a new strain of the bacteria. Another significant factor under consideration is a concerning drop in vaccination rates for meningitis among teenagers. As thousands of students in affected areas are being advised to take precautionary antibiotics, understanding the disease and how to protect loved ones is paramount.
What Exactly is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious infection that inflames the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and the central nervous system that extends down the spinal cord. This inflammation, caused by bacteria, viruses, or in rarer instances, fungi, can be extremely dangerous.
Professor Preston explained that when these tissues become inflamed, it exerts pressure on the brain, leading to the characteristic severe headache. The inflamed spinal cord can also result in a stiff neck.
- Bacterial Meningitis: This is the most lethal form. It can be caused by various bacteria, including Meningococcal groups A, C, W, Y, and B. The current outbreak is believed to be linked to one of these Meningococcal groups.
- Viral Meningitis: Generally milder, viral meningitis typically resolves on its own within about seven days, according to Dr. Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.
Why Are First-Year Students Particularly Vulnerable?
Meningitis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, expelled via sneezes or close contact like kissing. While approximately 20% of the general population may carry the Meningococcal bacteria at the back of their throats, this figure can surge to one in four young adults aged between 15 and 19. The heightened social interaction and close living conditions typical of student life, particularly for first-year students, create an environment where transmission can occur more readily.
Professor Preston suggests that contracting meningitis is often an accidental event, where a breach in the nasal lining or another factor allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Distinguishing Meningitis from “Fresher’s Flu”
The initial symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be deceptively similar to those of a common cold, “fresher’s flu,” or even a hangover, Professor Preston cautioned. “The scary thing about the initial stages is that the symptoms can be very non-specific. You can feel like you are coming down with a cold and yet be very ill indeed with infection in the brain in a matter of hours.”
While a common cold or flu usually develops gradually over several days, presenting with coughs, sneezes, fever, and muscle aches, bacterial meningitis can take hold with alarming speed. Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they replicate rapidly. Professor Preston noted that the bacteria can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier, infecting the meninges and leading to symptoms such as headache, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and neck stiffness within hours. In contrast, hangover symptoms typically improve throughout the day.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
It is vital for individuals, especially those in close proximity to others diagnosed with meningitis, to be vigilant and monitor for worrying symptoms, even if they have received a vaccination.
Rob Galloway, an emergency medicine consultant and columnist, emphasised that vaccinations offer protection against certain strains but not all. “Just because someone has had the meningitis jab, doesn’t mean they won’t get meningitis – because the vaccines offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis, but not all.”
Early intervention is crucial. Waiting for the characteristic red rash that doesn’t fade under pressure (a sign that the infection has spread from the brain into the body) can be too late.
Early warning signs can include:
- Fever
- Confusion
- Muscle and joint pain
- Coughs and sneezes
Later signs, potentially indicating sepsis, may include:
- A rash or spots. A 2006 study in The Lancet found that a rash might not appear until 12 to 22 hours after initial symptoms.
- Leg pains
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale and mottled skin
- Vomiting
Professor Galloway stressed the urgency: “There really is no time to wait. If you have been in close proximity to others who have been diagnosed, and have symptoms that resemble a cold, go to a GP, dial 111 or head to A&E immediately.”
Context is also important. While sniffles at a university without an outbreak might be less concerning, the presence of a fever, aches, and pains, especially at a university experiencing an outbreak like the University of Kent, warrants immediate health advice and potentially preventative antibiotics.
Risks in Shared Student Accommodation
Given that the infection spreads through saliva and droplets, shared living spaces present a potential transmission risk. Professor Galloway advised: “The infection is spread via saliva and droplets, so it can be transmitted via shared utensils, cutlery, cups and even toothbrushes. Try to use your own utensils and keep surfaces clean and tidy, though the risk is low.” Sharing cigarettes is also strongly discouraged.
The Role of Masks in University Settings
Professor Galloway suggested that wearing a mask could help reduce the likelihood of spreading the bacteria, especially in crowded areas. He noted it might be a sensible precaution for students at universities experiencing outbreaks, though not necessarily a universal requirement for all students everywhere.
Protecting Your Child Against Meningitis
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of protection.
- ACWY Vaccine: This vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y). It is typically offered to teenagers at 14 years old and to individuals up to age 25 who haven’t received a meningitis C vaccine. However, uptake of the ACWY vaccine among adolescents is around 73%, meaning a significant number of students remain unvaccinated, potentially diminishing herd immunity.
- Meningitis B Vaccine: Meningitis B is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. While a vaccine exists, the NHS primarily offers it to infants and individuals with specific underlying medical conditions. For others, it is available through private clinics and pharmacies. A full course typically involves two doses, usually administered a month apart, and can cost up to £200.
Should You Consider the MenB Vaccine Privately?
Professor Galloway considers it a worthwhile preventative measure. He indicated that he plans to arrange the MenB vaccination for his own children before they attend college.
